Scientists developed a computer system that can read and decode Ian's thoughts and translate them into signals tailored for different hand movements, by-passing his broken spinal cord.

The results of the research, published in the journal Nature, mark a leap forward in neural bypass technology which seeks to transform the lives of people robbed of their independence by devastating spinal injuries.

Scientists developed a computer system that can read and decode Ian's thoughts (Image: Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)